Our Story

Affirmation and Inclusion

Living in the farthest parts of San Diego, we know the impact of not having resources or LGBTQ+ representation in our communities. Our children face cultural barriers on top of struggling to exist in their identities.

We decided rather than be upset, we could provide opportunities ourselves, with an understanding of what our youth need.

We spoke to National City Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, who gave us our first yes, after which Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and San Diego City leaders all committed to helping us create spaces that were inclusive and safe for our youth.

We have grown significantly from the 5 youth that came to our initial Rainbow Swim at Loma Verde pool in the summer of 2021, to the now over 900 families all over San Diego County that received our newsletter.

Every one of our events is open to every inclusive youth up to age 24, because we know that our identities are intersectional, and often a path still being taken.

By making our events free, accessible via public transportation, and in the South and East County communities, we are determined to grow with purpose and a promise that no space should feel inaccessible for our LGBTQ+ youth.

Meet the Board

Advocates, Allies, and Community Members

Executive Director

Nadia Kean-Ayub

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A mother, Life long activist, and community volunteer, Executive Director Nadia Kean-Ayub is committed to making the SouthBay a safe place for Queer kids so that they don't just live, but thrive. Nadia is a commissioner on the City of Chula Vista Human Relations Commission and The San Diego County CLERB board. She is a member of MANA and serves on its Advocacy Committee, and a member of the League of Women Voters.She believes equity is achieved through purposeful action, and that every child deserves a safe and happy childhood.

President

Topher Tailler

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Topher Tailler is a trans non-binary advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and justice for all communities. They moved to the San Diego region to pursue a graduate degree in public policy and they try to use that knowledge to bring people together in working to build a society that provides safety, justice, and equity for everyone.

Co-Vice President

Lina Mohi

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Lina has more than 25 years’ experience working in non-profit organizations from Girl Scouts, Planned Parenthood, Sharp Healthcare, to former Chief Operations Officer at the Human Dignity Foundation. She is the owner of Mohi Sunshine, Inc., a consulting agency that specializes in support for non-profit organizations. She received her Master’s of Counseling, MFT in 2008 and continues to provide therapy to at risk teens.She serves on the Board of Directors for the Equality Business Alliance and is the Vice President of Advocacy for democracy.Her passion is ensuring that everyone has access to the care and needs that are available to them and she is dedicated to the principle that everyone should be treated equal, with dignity and respect.

Co-Vice President

Paul Ammons

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Paul Ammons has lived his entire life in San Diego County and has dedicated himself to the strengthening and preservation of families with and for LGBTQ+ youth. He currently serves as an Advocacy Supervisor with Voices for Children, an organization focused on training and supporting Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers who advocate for youth in foster care.

Treasurer

Miriam Soto

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Miriam Soto has been active as an ally and advocate in the LGBTQ+ community for over a decade, educating and supporting Spanish-speaking and latinx families in the Southbay Community.

Secretary

Madison Beck

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Madison Beck was the original mind behind the Rainbow Ride, a community centered parade that has now become a yearly event in the Southbay. A practicing lawyer and advocate, Madison is an Accomplice that supports all.

Member At Large

Juan Angel Reynoso

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Juan Angel Reynoso; “nemuuly” (grizzly bear) is 2Spirit Ipai-Kumeyaay from the San Pasqual Band of Kumeyaay Indian. Juan holds a Master of Arts degree in Teaching and Learning from The University of California San Diego, a Bachelor of Science degree in American Sign Language and English Interpretation from William Woods University, and holds dualCalifornia teaching credentials. A champion for love and accountability, he empowers individuals to embrace the world unapologetically themselves, embracing their individual experiences and stories as restorative medicine.

Member At Large

Patti Boman

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Patti has dedicated most of her life to educating parents and allies on how to support LGBTQ+ youth. Former PFLAG San Diego County president and one of the South County Chapter founders, she has helped hundreds of families feel included and loved.

Chula Vista Today : South Bay non- profit dedicated to creating Inclusive Spaces for Youth

October 7th, 2021

Read It Here

Our Community Partners

Mas Fuerte Juntos

Our success is only possible through community partnerships.

Sweetwater Union High School District

We are excited to partner with Sweetwater Union High School district to do purposeful and community oriented outreach to its LGBTQIA+ youth and their families. Our goal is to provide support rooted in the Southbay.

City of Chula Vista

The City of Chula Vista was the second city to commit to our LGBTQIA+ Swim time, and provided us the most access locally. We are grateful for their continued works towards making the city a safe place for our youth.

City of National City

The city of National City was the first city to commit to providing a swim space for our LGBTQIA+ youth one the summer of 2021. We hope to continue advocacy in the community by addressing the needs of its community members

City of Imperial Beach

Lacking a community pool, City of Imperial Beach leaders worked with Rainbow Spaces to provide access to alternative locations, like Camp Surf, in order to recognize the importance of safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth

Southbay YMCA Services

Providing swim access in their Southbay center pool located on Paseo Del Rey, Southbay YMCA continues to strive to bring LGBTQ+ centered programming to our Southbay LGBTQIA+ youth

Free Mom Hugs

Free Mom Hugs provides support for LGBTQIA+ Families across the United States. San Diego Leaders have come out to our events to speak with families, and of course, provide hugs.

MANA De San Diego

MANA de San Diego is centered in the education and success of the Latine community, so having their support in our efforts is invaluable. We are honored to be able to list them as community partners in our efforts to not just have our youth live, but thrive!

Our Community Support

Every event is free and accessible thanks to the amazing financial support and grants awarded to us by those committed to helping improve our community. Equity begins with empowering our youth with access, and opportunities, all possible because of our generous donors.